The seventh annual Tee it Up golf tournament presented by the Elizabeth River Circle of the King’s Daughters raised more money this year than it ever has before to benefit the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters.

“I think it was a real success,” tournament coordinator Barbara Cooper said of the June 24 event. “Obviously, we made money for the hospital, and we got a lot of community interest, which is good.”

Calculations on the amount of money raised are still ongoing.

“Last year we were able to give $15,000,” Cooper said. “We know we’ve made more than that this year, but I don’t have a good handle on the figure. We’re probably looking at close to $17,000.”

Across the past six years, the tournament has raised close to $60,000 for CHKD.

This year, there were more golfers participating than ever before, as 121 took to the course at Riverfront Golf Club.

Emerging as the victors of the Best Ball-formatted tourney were the Hall Automotive-sponsored foursome of Gary Briggs, Debbie Brobston, Randy Brobston and Greg Moore.

Cooper said that the Saturday before the event, she had as many as 143 golfers signed up, one shy of the total number she could accommodate. She was wondering if she might end up with more than she and the course could handle.

But then two days later, she said she began to receive word that some would not be able to make it, prompting her to wonder how far the tally of golfers would fall.

It still ended up being eight better than last year’s total of 113 competitors.

Just before the tournament, Josh Heath won the helicopter ball drop along with the accompanying $500 prize.

As for thoughts on possible changes to the Tee it Up event next year, Cooper said, “It’s still early, but my wheels are always turning.”